Vucic discusses Italian investments in Serbia

ROME - Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic has met with representatives of a number of Italian companies to discuss investments in Serbia, Tanjug has been told by the prime minister's office.

Vucic also met with International Monetary Fund Director Christine Lagarde on Tuesday.

Vucic spoke to Geox, Ferrero and Cremonini corporate representatives.

As previously announced, as part of an official visit to Italy, the Serbian prime minister will meet with Italian President Giorgio Napolitano, Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and Senate President Pietro Grasso on Wednesday.

In an interview with the Italian ANSA news agency shortly before the visit to Rome, Vucic noted the significance of Italian investors for the Serbian economy and employment, welcoming the growth-oriented economic policy of Renzi's government.

Italy remains one of Serbia's main political and economic partners, and the continued support of the Italian government is crucial for Serbia on its path to the European Union, he said.

I am going to Rome to say that Serbia is counting on Italy, that our country intends to implement reforms and that it will do everything to ensure that the recovery starts as early as next year, but mainly in 2016-2017, Vucic said.

We are counting on Italy's further support on our European path, Vucic told ANSA.